Denver on a Budget
Explore the city on a budget at these affordable sites

Traveling is a thrilling experience full of adventure, culture and fun. The city of Denver, Colorado, has beautiful sites to see, captivating history and exciting experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. Exploring Denver doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, though. There are plenty of reasonably priced — and free — things to do throughout the city.

Cherry Creek State Park

With 4,000 acres for you to explore, Cherry Creek State Park is the perfect way to spend time in the beautiful Colorado weather without breaking the bank. Relax in the fresh air and watch the wildlife against a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. You can also tackle some of the outdoor activities in the area, including archery, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating and jet skiing. Admission into the park is $9 per day; there are campgrounds and RV sites available as well.

Colorado State Capitol Tour

The Colorado State Capitol is home to the governor, senators, congresspeople and other government offices. The building’s history dates back to 1886, when construction began on the grounds, and its design replicates that of the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. Approximately 300,000 people visit the Colorado State Capitol every year. During your visit, you can take a tour of the building free of charge. However, if you have a group with more than 10 people, you will need to make a tour reservation before your visit.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Dedicated to education, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science helps its visitors think critically about the world around them. There are rotating exhibitions throughout the museum with hands-on activities and educational films. The museum opened to the public in 1908 as the Colorado Museum of Natural History. Its name changed several times over the decades, finally landing on the Denver Museum of Nature and Science at the turn of the century. Admission tickets are $16.95 for adults and $11.95 for children under 18.

Coors Brewery Tour

Denver is home to the world’s largest single-site brewery: the Coors Brewery. Throughout the day, there are 30-minute, self-guided tours available. These tours give you a look at some of the processes inside the brewery, including malting, brewing and packaging. You’ll need to get your ticket ahead of time, but there is no charge to take a self-guided tour. At the end of the tour, there are free beer samples available for attendees 21 years and older, along with non-alcoholic beverages for those under-age.

Denver Zoo

In 1896, the mayor of Denver — Thomas McMurry — received an orphaned black bear cub as a gift. Named Billy, the black bear inspired the creation of the Denver Zoo. Unlike most zoos, the Denver Zoo doesn’t use fences or bars for animals’ enclosures. Instead, the zoo implements more naturalistic structures such as plaster rock formations to mimic the animals’ natural environments and safely separate them from visitors. General admission tickets are $17 per person; discounts are available for children 11 years and younger and seniors 65 years and older.

The city of Denver has a rich history and great places to see. Explore the city on a budget by visiting some of these affordable attractions.

This article is presented by Colonial Buick GMC in Watertown, Massachusetts.